Ames Economic Development Commission

Founded in 1987, Ames Seed Capital is an equity-based investment fund operated by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. We provide equity-based funding for central Iowa startups at seed and early growth stages. The capital we invest is provided by individuals and businesses primarily located in central Iowa. Purpose: Ames Seed Capital (ASC) makes investments in exchange for equity (ownership). Our goal is to assist businesses in achieving growth, leading to an “exit” which creates a commensurate rate of return for Ames Seed Capital investors. Fund: ASC is a fund with a decision-making board of directors, which provides the advantage of not having to pursue investors individually. Investment Stage Prospective businesses should be able to demonstrate a credible plan and a reasonable degree of traction with prospective partners or customers. Seed stage businesses are often pre-revenue but have compelling progress in the validation of products and markets. Growth stage businesses are sometimes cash-flow negative but have achieved relationships with key partners and have paying customers Investment Range Our investments range from $50,000 to $400,000. Investments at the larger end of the range are often achieved in multiple investment tranches.